The white marble floor of the Dallas mansion glimmed under the crystal chandeliers, but the atmosphere inside the high-ceilinged foyer was far from peaceful. Chloe adjusted her crisp grey uniform, her fingers trembling against the soft fabric of her daughter’s blanket. Little Lily whimpered softly in her arms, her tiny forehead hot against Chloe’s neck.

Victoria: You incompetent fool, give me that child!

Chloe: Please, Mrs. Vance! She has a high fever! I’m just trying to get her some ice water from the kitchen!

Victoria: I don’t care if she’s sick! Look at this floor! You left your cheap diaper bag right next to my imported Italian vase!

Chloe: I’m so sorry, I’ll move it right now—

Victoria: You won't move anything! You don't belong in this house, and neither does that noisy brat!

Before Chloe could take a step back, Victoria’s hand swung through the air with furious speed. The sharp crack of the slap echoed through the massive foyer, sending Chloe stumbling sideways. She pulled Lily tight against her chest, absorbing the impact with her shoulder as her knee slammed hard into the cold marble. Pain shot up her leg, but her primary concern was protecting her baby from the volatile heiress.

Victoria: Get up and get out of my sight before I have the security guards drag you out to the street!

Chloe: You had no right to strike me... I’m doing my job!

Victoria: Your job is to obey me! You’re nothing in this home! A nobody!

Victoria stepped closer, her glittery blue gown sweeping across the floor as her heels clicked menacingly. She raised her hand again, her face contorted with unbridled rage. But before her hand could fall a second time, the heavy double front doors flew open with a loud thud, revealing a tall man in a dark tailored suit. His expression hardened instantly as his eyes locked onto the scene before him, unaware that the secret about to be exposed would tear the entire Vance estate apart.